A concussion is a common type of brain injury that involves temporary loss of brain function. Concussions can occur from any injury to the head. The injury may be minor (a small bump) or something more significant like a baseball strike to the head. Many people who experience a concussion do not lose consciousness, or lose consciousness only briefly.
What are the signs of a concussion?
Memory loss or difficulty thinking clearly
Mental fog
Headache
Blurry vision
Nausea or vomiting
Sensitivity to light
Problems with balance
Mood swings
Changes in sleeping or eating habits
How do I help someone with a concussion?
If someone is hit in the head and suddenly loses consciousness, call 911.
Otherwise, advise the person to stop the activity he was engaged in when the incident occurred and encourage him to see a healthcare provider to evaluate the severity of the injury and to determine whether additional testing is needed.
When in doubt, call 911
Do I need to keep the person awake?
The American Red Cross says that "it is generally safe for a person with a concussion to go to sleep. However, the person's healthcare provider may recommend that you wake the person periodically to make sure that his condition has not worsened."
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